Implications for the Role of Macrophages in a Model of Myocardial Fibrosis: CCR2−/− Mice Exhibit An M2 Phenotypic Shift In Resident Cardiac Macrophages

Macrophages (MΦ) are functionally diverse and dynamic. Until recently, cardiac MΦ were assumed to be monocyte-derived; however, resident cardiac MΦ (rCMΦ), present at baseline, were identified in myocardia and have been implicated in cardiac healing. Previously, we demonstrated that CCR2−/− mice are protected from myocardial fibrosis – an observation initially attributed to changes in infiltrating monocytes. Here, we re-explored this observation in the context of our new understanding of rCMΦ.

Source: Cardiovascular Pathology - May 30, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: A. Falkenham, T. Myers, C. Wong, J.F. Legare Tags: Original Article Source Type: research